This is a small memorial dedicated to our Fallen Hoosier Heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice…read moreafter 9/11 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. It is the brainchild of Don and Carol Peed and is a beautiful memorial and is an excellent honor to those heroes. The memorial honors more than 200 local herons and is maintained by Vietnam veteran and local groundskeeper, Dennis Zavada. You will find it near Westfield High School, just outside of downtown Westfield. The memorial was dedicated in 2009 and consists of plaques with the name of each honored soldier, where they were from and when they died. Originally the memorial started with white crosses vice the plaques. There is also flagpoles with flags representing each branch of service behind an American flag, a Family Member Military Service Flag, and a POW/MIA flag. There is also some granite and stone plaques that are dedicated to gold star families, and instrumental people that made the memorial possible. You will also find brick pavers that are dedicated to special people, with lots of room for expansion. The memorial is very well maintained and looks awesome. I reminds me of something that you would see at the Arlington National Cemetery. It grabbed my attention as I was driving down the road. There is free street parking available right in front of the memorial and it is easy to get to. The memorial's first cross was in memory of Jeanette Winters, a Marines Corps sergeant who was killed in 2002. and the last memorial belongs to U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto Sanchez who was one of 13 American service members killed in August in an attack on the airport in Kahul, Afghanistan as the US was exiting the war in 2021. It is amazing the impact that only a few people can make. This memorial is managed primarily by two people with support from local veteran's groups. The Memorial plays host to a Memorial Day service each year that is organized by the Carmel VFW and the American Legion. It is well attended. I love we a community puts something together to honor anyone that served, especially when it is as well done as this memorial. This is definitely worth a visit but I would make it part of a larger itinerary with attractions such as Big Hoffas, the Anti-slavery Cemetery, or nearby Asa Bales Park.

This Mall sits between the American Legion National headquarters and headquarters of the American…read moreLegion's Department of Indiana. The Indiana library Central branch is located across the street. It covers two blocks and on the grounds are the World War II, Korean, and Vietnam memorials. It has a sunken green grassy area when you can throw a blanket down and have a picnic or just relax. As stated on a sign that I saw in the grass there "This ground is dedicated to the illustrious dead, Fitting recognition is desired." Metered street parking is available on the street surrounding the mall. The mall is the site of some local festivals. It can be rented for special events and the cost is based on the amount of people. 1 - 1,000 people = $800 1,000 - 10,000 people = $1,800 10,000+ people = $3,000

So much room for potential and activation. As I stood there in the sunshine this morning, I…read morecouldn't help but think of all of the great events that could come to life in this centrally located space. It's peaceful. It's shaded. It's filled with beautiful statues and best of all, the backdrop of downtown buildings like Lady Victory and the Salesforce building. The park features picnic benches, a water fountain in the center and several gingko trees. In this park you'll find World War II, Korean and Vietnam memorials, as well as the American Legion's national headquarters. Fun fact: Indy is second only to DC for number of war memorials. Within a stone's throw of the American Legion Mall you'll find The Tap, Central Library, Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Monument Circle, the downtown Canal Walk, Mass Ave and restaurants like Garden Table, The Eagle and Bazbeaux Pizza (picnic, anyone?). The Mall extends from St. Clair Street to North Street between Meridian and Pennsylvania Streets.

While I was pleased to see the October 20, 2025 re-opening of Hazel Landing Park in Carmel, I was…read moreeven more excited with the debut of the new Bur Oak Bridge. While I've had my issues with Carmel, the truth is this is a city that does its landmarks well and that includes bridges. The Bur Oak Bridge spans 500 feet across the White River. It's 14-feet wide and is designed for both pedestrians and cyclists (or, in my case, wheelchairs). What's cool here? The Bur Oak Bridge connects Carmel and Fishers by also connecting Hazel Landing Park (Carmel) and Heritage Park (Fishers). It also serves as a connector for Monon, Nickel Plate, and Big 4 Trails. This thing is honestly beautiful to look at, constructed very nicely, and super friendly to users. The Bur Oak Bridge was reportedly named after input from Native American tribes and reflects the nearby presence of several bur oak trees. The bridge was an $11 million project. It was a collaborative effort between Clay Township, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation, Hamilton County, Delaware Township, and the City of Fishers. While I'd seen it a couple times before the recent snowy weather hit, I had the chance to stop by this week and check it out even in the snow (and people were still using it). Beautiful bridge and I can't wait to use it again once the weather improves.

While this historic building is currently vacant, it is owned by the city and maintained by the…read morehistorical preservation commission. I was fortunate enough to receive a tour a few months back though it has been used for public events in the recent past, which explains a lot of the random supplies and furniture left behind. This was the original location of the Mayor's Office in the city, prior to the construction of the City-County Building a couple blocks away. It's a little creepy being in there now because of a lack of light. No A/C either means it gets pretty toasty in the summer! A few years ago, there were plans to turn the building into a boutique hotel but they fell through. Hopefully the space gets utilized again in the near future, but for now it's a beautiful building to admire.

I have a very deep connection with this building. By that I mean, I think I've seen just about…read moreevery nook and cranny thanks to planning a huge party that required some serious love on my part for the space - ex. hanging lighting, sweeping up crumbling molding, hiding the abundance of old city furniture, installing wifi, and so on and so forth. We reallllly got to know one another during the month of December 2013. In the time that has passed since Yelp's Totally Bazaar, The Hall has received some serious love thanks to People For Urban Progress and the bright and the creative minds that now call this space their "place of work". Here are a few reasons I recommend you revisit the building that once served as the Indiana State Museum, public library and Yelp party pad: -new benches and flowers added to the exterior of the building - great lunch or work spot -exhibit showcasing the future of transit in Indianapolis -event space in the foyer - perfect for weddings, meetings, screenings -side rooms that also serve as great spaces for working throughout the day or hosting meetings in a unique space Hall, you gave me one helluva ride in December but I'm so happy I chose you to showcase the best of Indy's local biz scene. It was truly your shining moment. **special shout out to Tiffany Benedict Berkson with Historic Indy for connecting me with the building back in the summer of 2013.

If there's one curse I associate with being a wheelchair user, it's the fact that I tend to fall in…read morelove with historic houses that are far from wheelchair friendly. Such is the case with the Irvington area's "The Benton House," a home built in 1873 and intended to be one of the homes to set the architectural flavor of the Irvington area. Alas, the home's construction was shortly followed by an economic downtown and many of the surrounding homes were built on smaller lots and were a bit more modest in size. This 10-room home served as home from former Butler University President Dr. Allan Benton (Fun Fact: His wife was named Silence, which I personally think is an incredibly cool name). By 1907, it had changed hands and stayed in the Miller family until 1966 when it was sold to the Irvington Historic Landmarks Foundation. There are items from Dr. Benton still located in the home. The home recently underwent renovations and is available for club meetings, weddings, private parties, and retreats. As it is a historic home and noted as a historic landmark, it is not wheelchair friendly. Getting around the yard is fairly easy, though there are steps into the home. Geocachers will be interested to note that there's a geocache located within close proximity of the home - this is actually how I originally discovered the home myself. It remains a nicely wooded lot and is quite often decorated seasonally. You can actually become a "member" of The Benton House - $25 for individuals annually and $50 for families and/or organizations. There are benefits associated with membership, though the greatest benefit is supporting a really beautiful and historic Irvington home. As a wheelchair user, I love homes like this even though they are far from wheelchair friendly. My own home is a 1955 California ranch that, quite fortunately, is on one level. However, I've long felt like if I ever obtained the ability to walk or increase mobility one of my first actions would be to buy a home such as this incredible beauty.

The Benton House will be in my fondest memories for decades to come... granted I might be a little…read morebiased since we had our rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony, and reception here. Working with Linda was a breeze. She is so sweet and accommodating. The preferred tent company is a little exhausting, but I kind of think the whole formal wedding process is a little exhausting, so that might just be personal preference. I can't handle talking about table cloth colors for two hours without feeling like I'm losing my mind a little. My husband and I couldn't have been happier with the weekend, and it seems like our guests had a great time, as well. If you're looking at renting The Benton House for any type of indoor event under 100 people, or outdoor event under 150, I 100% recommend it.

This is a small plaza that features public art paying hommage to the state of Indiana. It was a…read moregifted to the city in 2010 by the White family, from White Lodging, the primary developer of Marriott Place. It is located across from the Indiana State Museum, around the corner from the JW Marriott and right in front of the Fridays. It is meant to also be a smoking area for hotel guest, in addition to a small art park. There are a bunch of picnic tables and chairs for visitors to sit and enjoy the space. The Plaza features artwork from Jeff Laramore. The most notable of pieces in the Plaza is Cardinal, a bright red steel sculpture that measures over 35 ft high and 50 feet long. The cardinal is supposed to be perched on Indiana's State tree, the Tulip Tree. There is also a 60 foot mosaic waterwall wall that was made out of over 1,000 pieces of granite and marble that are supposed to represent Indiana's state flower, peonies. Even though I am not from Indiana originally, I love the "Proud to be a Hoosier" theme the Plaza has going on. It is well done and made with fine attention to detail. There is garage parking and paid lots within walking distance from the plaza, but the primary users of the plaza are JW Marriott guests. This is a nice place to visit. I would probably couple it with a stay at the JW or a visit to White River State Park and/or one of the many museums in the area.

In the shadow of the JW Marriott Hotel downtown, the White Art Plaza was dedicated in February 2010…read moreas a gift to the City of Indianapolis from the White Family. The plaza is located on the north side of the building just outside the entrances to TGI Fridays and the Tavern on the Plaza seasonal restaurant. The most noticeable feature is the "Cardinal", Indiana's state bird. The bright red sculpture stands nearly 36 feet tall and is made from recycled aluminum wrapped around a steel infrastructure. The Cardinal is "perched" upon lines of the Tulip Poplar Tree (Indiana's state tree) that are etched into the plaza's concrete, giving the songbird a dimensional backdrop. The Cardinal overlooks the Plaza's stage. The external wall along the northern edge of the plaza is made up of four panels, each 15 feet long. The panels form a restful oasis of calm for city visitors. Together the panels span 60 feet forming a water wall containing containing an intricate mural honoring Indiana's state flower, the Peony. Each panel contains over one thousand individual components, hand designed and custom cut. From the plaza, visitors can gaze across Washington Street to the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. The Kenneth R Bunn water sculpture "Whitetail Deer" is a multi-component bronze work conveying a sense of action and movement. Even though it only takes moments to appreciate the details of the plaza, the vibrant color and the homage to the Hoosier favorites adds a sense of calm and peace to a busy section of downtown. Review #116

A friend of mine was raised in Fortville, Indiana and this has given me the opportunity to visit…read morethe small town just Northeast of Indy quite a few times since my move from Pike Township to Lawrence Township a few years ago. Established in 1865, the Town of Fortville is in Hancock County. It's a fairly easy drive for anyone who lives on the Northeast side of Indy and quite a few Yelpers can be found in Fortville, Indiana either at Taxman Brewery or Foxgardin Kitchen & Ale. There's a main strip in Fortville that has some awesome public art. Pinkie the Elephant is a beloved Fortville icon and frequent spot for selfies - it also should be noted as being a geocache spot. Noteworthy restaurants include the aforementioned places - Taxman Brewery and Foxgardin Kitchen & Ale plus places like Broadway Diner, 305 Wine Garage, Cortona's Italian Cuisine and Wine Bar, Los Maguelles, and Libby's Ice Cream & Gifts. There's a Mozzi's Pizza in Fortville, a Lincoln Square (one of my favorite locations), and also a Pizza King. There's also a Dairy Queen on the main drag. Fortville has a couple parks. It has a neat location right by a train track and it's not uncommon to see trains while in the Fortville area. Fortville can pose a bit of a challenge in terms of accessibility. Because it's an older town, some of the buildings are truly quite a bit older and not particularly accessible. For example, Taxman has decent accessibility but Foxgardin does not. Oh, I almost forgot to mention. Sunrise Bakery is an awesome bakery in the area. I'd almost consider it a destination bakery. Super friendly and awesome baked goods. I once judged a chili cook-off here at the VFW in Fortville! In terms of the community, Fortville has a dog park, a library, and kids go to Mount Vernon Schools. 4 of 6 Town Council members are women. Currently, the population is just under 4,000. Nearby Greenfield is the county seat, but it would be hard not to love this small town with friendly people and just enough amenities to give you both the peace and quiet of a small town with the "stuff" that makes daily life a bit more comfortable.

Located next to Fishers and home to popular destinations like Taxman Brewery and FoxGardin Kitchen…read more& Ale, Fortville is a cute little town with an increasing number of great shops, entertainment, and restaurants. I attended the Fortville Winterfest recently and had a blast. It was well-advertised and very well organized, particularly for a small-town event. It was a great time to walk down Main Street and check out all of the new places that have opened in the past year or so, as well as take advantage of special one-day-only discounts and goodies in nearly all of the downtown shops. If you're in the Indy area, Fortville is definitely worth checking out if you're interested in trying out a new restaurant or bar, or just looking to get away from the bigger cities and enjoy a night out without the usual crowds and parking nightmares. You can follow Fortville Action Inc. on social media to see upcoming events.

I often forget just how many review-worthy places, landmarks, and public art installations are…read morearound my office in the Indiana Government Center. I'll admit I was a little surprised to see a review of "Lincoln Funeral Train Marker," but given its history it does make sense. The marker, commissioned by the Indiana Historical Bureau in 2008, is adjacent to the Indiana Statehouse on the south lawn. It marks the funeral train of President Lincoln passing through Indianapolis in 1865. The funeral train had three Indiana stops - Richmond, Indianapolis, and Michigan City. It was reported that buildings in Indy were draped in black and at least 50,000 people gathered to view Lincoln's open casket. Why review a marker? I think for me it's to honor the history of my community. I don't review all of them, but some of these are really part of Hoosier history and for history buffs they're a great visit. I also love that the Indiana Historical Bureau creates these markers.

In 2008, the Indiana Historical Bureau and Indiana Abraham Bicentennial Commission dedicated this…read moresimple and very powerful marker describing how President Lincoln's funeral train passed through Indianapolis in 1865. This two sided marker is located on the lawn of the statehouse. It bears the following inscription: Assassinated President Abraham Lincoln's funeral was April 19, 1865 at the White House. The funeral train left for Springfield, Illinois April 21 directed by the military; stops en route allowed mourners to pay homage. In Richmond, Indiana, Governor Oliver P. Morton boarded; train reached Indianapolis, April 30, at 7:00 a.m. Buildings were draped in black. In the rain, Lincoln's coffin was escorted along crowded streets lined with soldiers to old State House, located here. Reports say at least 50,000 people viewed Lincoln's open casket in the rotunda. Through streets lit by bonfires and torches, coffin was returned to Union Depot; train departed at 12:00 a.m. for Michigan City, last scheduled Indiana stop.